A mother from New Romney, Kent, is living in fear of her own garden after suffering multiple bites from the UK’s most venomous spider, the false widow. Since 2020, Danni Virgo has been dealing with an alarming infestation of these arachnids, which has left her too terrified to hang her laundry outside.
Danni’s nightmare began when she reached for her freshly washed pyjamas hanging on the line. As she slipped them on, she felt a sharp sting on her thigh. To her shock, a small spider crawled out from her clothing moments later.
What followed was a painful ordeal, as a red lump on her leg quickly turned black, revealing a deep wound that doctors confirmed was caused by the spider’s venom.
Though the injury healed without the need for surgery, Danni’s troubles didn’t end there. Just weeks later, she experienced two more bites, leading her to discover that her garden was teeming with around 100 false widow spiders. Despite her attempts to combat the infestation with peppermint sprays and natural oils, the creepy-crawlies continued to thrive, leaving her feeling helpless.
Now, six years later, Danni has completely avoided her garden. “I won’t hang the washing outside anymore,” she shared. “I used to love being out there, painting fences and enjoying the fresh air, but now I just can’t.”
The rise in spider-related hospitalizations in the UK has been alarming, with NHS figures showing a jump from 47 admissions in 2015 to 100 in 2025. Danni, who still bears a scar from her initial bite, is now sounding the alarm for others to be cautious of these elusive spiders.
“I live in fear now,” she admitted. “People need to be aware of these spiders. They’re not that big, so they’re easily missed.”
As her story unfolds, many are left wondering how to safely coexist with nature in their own backyards. What measures can be taken to reclaim outdoor spaces without fear?
